Trump signs order to remove endangered species protection for grey wolves
Former President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to remove endangered species protection for grey and Mexican wolves, aiming to allow ranchers to protect their livestock. This decision is criticized by conservation groups who fear it will derail recovery efforts for the wolf populations. The order gives the Interior Secretary 90 days to assess if populations have recovered sufficiently.
Why it matters
This executive order could significantly impact wildlife conservation efforts and the balance between agricultural interests and environmental protection in the US. It highlights ongoing tensions between economic concerns and species preservation.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Aleks Phillips Getty Images There were 319 Mexican wolves in the wild in the US in 2025, up from just four in 1998 Donald Trump has signed an executive order to remove endangered species protection for the grey wolf and a subspecies, the Mexican wolf.
The US president's decision could pave the way for pastoral farmers to kill the canines to protect their livestock. His order said ranchers played a "vital role" in the food supply chain and American cultural heritage.
But conservation groups have criticised the move, saying it could derail long-term efforts to recover the endangered wolf populations.
There were 319 Mexican wolves in the wild in the US in 2025, up from just four when they were reintroduced in 1998, US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) figures show.
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